Chinese skullcap and American skullcap both have some medicinal properties, but Chinese skullcap is the one that may help lower blood pressure, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine use this plant, with the botanical name Scutellaria baicalensis, for treating allergies, infections, inflammation and even cancer. Because herbs can cause side effects, the UMMC recommends taking skullcap only under the supervision of a qualified health care practitioner.
Potential
Animal research shows that skullcap can lower blood pressure, but as with other potential benefits for this herb, research with humans is lacking, according to the UMMC. Test tube and animal research indicates that Chinese skullcap has some anti-cancer properties and also may be helpful for diabetes patients, as noted by the UMMC. Additionally, Chinese skullcap is effective against bacteria and viruses, including staphylococci, cholera, dysentery, pneumococci and influenza.
Features
The component responsible for blood pressure benefits of Chinese skullcap is the flavonoid baicalein, found in the plant roots, explains a study published in the April 2005 issue of Current Drug Targets. Baicalein is an excellent scavenger of free radicals, which are waste substances in the body that cause cell damage. Baicalein has cardiovascular protective effects and improves the function of the endothelium, the thin interior lining of blood vessels.
Usage
Chinese skullcap root is available as a dried or liquid extract, tincture and tea. A standard dose is 1 to 4 ml of liquid extract three times daily, according to the UMMC. Chinese skullcap is not recommended for children. When using a product that combines skullcap with other herbs, follow instructions on the label. Because high blood pressure is a serious condition, consult with your doctor before attempting to lower blood pressure with skullcap.
Side Effects
Chinese skullcap is not known to have side effects, and the herb seems to pose little risk of toxicity, although Health Library cautions that research on its safety is lacking. Some reports of liver damage are linked to use of skullcap products, but these products may have been contaminated with germander, a plant that looks similar to Chinese skullcap and can cause hepatitis.
Interactions and Contraindications
Chinese skullcap may reduce blood sugar, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia in people who take medicine to regulate blood sugar. It also can increase the effects of drugs with sedating properties, and reduce the effects of statin drugs used to lower cholesterol. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Chinese skullcap, advises the UMMC, nor should anyone with stomach or spleen problems.
